Zagreb (Croatia), 30 July 2026 - The second round of the Champions League preliminaries concluded with all the major teams advancing, including Fenerbahçe, Red Star Belgrade, Dinamo Zagreb, and Sturm Graz. However, the tournament also saw an unexpected upset as Aarhus defeated Lech Poznan.

Major Teams Progress

As the preliminary rounds continue, the high-profile clubs expected to make an impact in the Champions League have successfully moved on to the next stage. Fenerbahçe, Crvena Zvezda, Dinamo Zagreb, and Sturm Graz all secured their places without facing elimination. Meanwhile, Zalgiris Kaunas will participate in another UEFA competition following their results in the second qualifying round.

Upcoming Matches and Surprises

Looking ahead, Olympique Lyon will make their debut against Sparta Prague, while Royale Union SG will face Bodo/Glimt, and Olympiacos will take on NEC Nijmegen. Crvena Zvezda is set to compete against Hapoel Beer Sheva. Notably, only one team between Fenerbahçe and Sturm Graz will advance further in the quest for a spot in the Champions League group stage.

The return matches of this round were held on Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring a mix of surprises and intense competition. Three matches were decided by penalties, and one went into extra time. For many teams, advancing to the third preliminary round is a significant achievement, as it ensures a place in one of the championship phases of the three major European football competitions.

The preliminary rounds are nearing their conclusion as July comes to an end, with teams actively seeking to strengthen their squads in the transfer market. The Champions League offers lucrative opportunities for clubs, and the stakes are high as they aim to secure their positions in this prestigious tournament.